Mastercard Foundation African STARS Scholarship 2026 (Fully Funded)

Applications are open for the African STARS Scholarship, a training initiative for early-career African scientists working in genomics, diagnostics, vaccine design, and biotechnology. It’s led jointly by the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI) at Stellenbosch University in South Africa and the Center for Africa’s Resilience to Epidemics (CARE) at the Institut Pasteur de Dakar (IPD) in Senegal, with funding support from the Mastercard Foundation.

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The programme runs two tracks this cycle, the Advanced and Translational Training (ATT) Fellowship and the Young Professional Programme (YPP) Fellowship, with 40 fellows selected in total, 20 per track. Both tracks are fully funded, covering travel, accommodation, a monthly stipend, visa support, and medical insurance.

The application deadline is 31 January 2026, and there is no fee to apply. Keep reading for the full eligibility breakdown, required documents, and the exact difference between the two fellowship tracks.

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Summary of the Mastercard Foundation African STARS Scholarship 2026

About the Mastercard Foundation African STARS Scholarship

The African STARS Fellowship Programme was set up to respond to a specific gap: Africa has the fastest-growing young population in the world, with a workforce expected to exceed one billion people in the coming decades, yet the continent continues to carry a disproportionate burden of infectious disease outbreaks.

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The programme exists to build a skilled African workforce capable of responding to that burden directly, through advanced training in genomics, diagnostics, and vaccine science. It’s delivered through a partnership between two of Africa’s leading public health research institutions: CERI at Stellenbosch University, and CARE at the Institut Pasteur de Dakar. Both institutions already run established genomics and epidemic response work across the continent, and the Mastercard Foundation’s funding allows that expertise to be passed directly to the next generation of African scientists and entrepreneurs through structured, fully funded fellowships rather than one-off training workshops.

ATT vs. YPP: Which Track Should You Apply For

Advanced and Translational Training (ATT) Fellowship — 4 to 6 months
Built for early-career scientists and professionals who want intensive, specialized technical training in advanced genomics for public health, genomic diagnostic design, and vaccine manufacturing. It also includes leadership development in grants and financial management, team management, and strategic leadership.

Young Professional Programme (YPP) Fellowship — 12 months
Built for young scientists and entrepreneurs aiming to bridge the gap between research and industry. The focus is on biotechnology innovation and entrepreneurship, including placements at commercial companies, industry, or innovation hubs, alongside training in critical thinking, grantsmanship, communication, and project management.

Both tracks run as full-time, in-person training, based at either CERI in Stellenbosch, South Africa, or CARE at the Institut Pasteur de Dakar in Senegal. You can indicate your preferred training site in your application, though fellowships delivered in South Africa are offered in English only. Both tracks begin between July and August, with two intakes scheduled, one in 2025 and one in 2026.

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What the Mastercard Foundation African STARS Scholarship 2026 Covers

Selected fellows in both tracks receive:

• Full funding for training, including a return economy ticket from your country of residence in Africa
• Suitable accommodation arranged for the full duration of the fellowship
• A monthly stipend to cover living expenses
• Visa application support, including a letter of invitation, with the cost of your visa application reimbursed against valid receipts (travel to the visa office itself is not covered)
• Medical insurance for the duration of the fellowship, with help applying for cover before the programme starts
• Mentorship, career development support, and access to the African STARS Alumni Network
• For YPP fellows specifically, a placement period with an industry partner, biotechnology hub, or innovation company

Family members can accompany you, but you’re responsible for their travel, visa, and accommodation costs. Childcare support is not available for the ATT or YPP tracks, though longer fellowships such as the MSc or MBA may offer case-by-case support.

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Eligibility Requirements for the Mastercard Foundation African STARS Scholarship 2026

To apply, you must be:

• Born in and/or living in Africa
• 35 years old or younger at the start of the fellowship
• Holding a relevant postgraduate qualification, with a minimum of a Master’s degree (a PhD is an advantage)
• Fluent in English or French, with proficiency in both considered an advantage
• Willing to remain in Africa after the fellowship to contribute to local scientific, business, or public health work

For the ATT track specifically, you need:

• At least 3 years of research, innovation, or industry experience
• Demonstrated excellence in genomics, diagnostics, biotechnology, or vaccine development

For the YPP track specifically, you need:

• At least 5 years of experience in research management, innovation, or commercialization
• Prior experience in biotech startups, innovation hubs, or translational research is an advantage

Women are strongly encouraged to apply. Candidates with dual citizenship can apply, but preference goes to applicants born in or resident in Africa with a strong, demonstrated commitment to remain on the continent. If you’re currently enrolled in a degree programme or employed, you can still apply, but you’ll need permission from your supervisor, university, or employer confirming your absence won’t interfere with your existing commitments.

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Required Documents for the Mastercard Foundation African STARS Scholarship

You need to prepare:

• A completed online application form for your chosen track, ATT or YPP
• A Curriculum Vitae, using the official CV template provided by the programme
• At least one letter of recommendation from an academic or professional referee, such as your supervisor, line manager, or head of department, addressed to the African STARS Fellowship Programme Selection Committee
• A brief video pitching a novel research or project idea, uploaded as part of your application

If you’re shortlisted, you’ll also be asked for a certified copy of your qualifications. If you go on to be selected for the MSc or MBA degree tracks specifically, you’ll additionally need a South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) evaluation of your foreign qualifications, which currently costs approximately R668 and typically takes 4 to 6 weeks to process. This SAQA step does not apply if you’re applying for the ATT or YPP fellowships.

One practical note worth knowing before you apply: your recommendation letter should specifically explain what benefit the training will bring to you as an individual, not just confirm that you’re a strong candidate generally. If you’re selected, the programme may also separately request a letter from your employer or supervisor confirming they support your time away from work or study.

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How to Apply for the Mastercard Foundation African STARS Scholarship 2026 – Step By Step

1. Decide which track fits your background and goals, ATT or YPP, using the comparison above.
2. Download and complete the official CV template.
3. Secure at least one letter of recommendation, addressed to the African STARS Fellowship Programme Selection Committee.
4. Prepare your short video pitching your research or project idea.
5. Complete the official application form for your chosen track: Apply for ATT or Apply for YPP.
6. Submit your application along with your CV and recommendation letter. Emailed or hard copy applications are not accepted.
7. If you have trouble uploading attachments to the application form, the programme recommends this Google Forms file upload fix guide before contacting the programme directly.

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Application Deadline

The deadline is 31 January 2026, at 00h00 GMT. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. All applications are scored, and the highest-ranking applicants are shortlisted, with successful candidates notified within 2 months of the closing date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the African STARS Fellowship fully funded?
Yes. Selected fellows receive full funding covering travel, accommodation, and a monthly stipend, along with visa support and medical insurance for the duration of the programme.

Is there an application fee for the African STARS Fellowship?
No, applying is completely free.

Can I apply if I’m currently studying or employed?
Yes, for both situations. You’ll need to show evidence that your university, employer, or supervisor supports your participation without it interfering with your existing academic or work commitments.

What’s the minimum qualification needed for the African STARS Fellowship?
You need a relevant postgraduate qualification, with at least a Master’s degree required. Holding a PhD is considered an advantage but is not mandatory.

How many fellows are selected each cycle?
40 fellows in total, split evenly between the two tracks: 20 in the Advanced and Translational Training (ATT) Fellowship and 20 in the Young Professional Programme (YPP) Fellowship.

Can I apply for the African STARS Fellowship if I’m over 35?
No. The age limit is 35 years old or younger at the start of the fellowship, and this is a firm eligibility requirement rather than a preference.

Disclaimer: All fellowship details, deadlines, award values, and eligibility criteria were taken from the official African STARS Fellowship Programme materials provided, as of June 2026. Information is subject to change without notice. Always confirm the latest details directly on the official source before submitting your application.

Official Application Portal